Launch of The Connaught Telegraph's New Compact
THE chief executive officer of the Celtic Media Group, Frank Mulrennan, officially launched The Connaught Telegraph’s new compact format at a reception in Castlebar Tennis Club last night (Thursday).
He described it as a milestone in the history of the oldest provincial newspaper in Ireland and looked forward to The Connaught Telegraph going from strength to strength over the coming years, with a move to new offices being planned to take place within the coming weeks.
Over 200 guests attended the launch, including elected representatives of the Oireachtas and Mayo County Council as well as members of local sports organisations, business owners and friends of The Connaught Telegraph within the provincial newspaper industry.
There was a strong GAA flavour to the proceedings after a week in which Mayo won their fourth consecutive Connaught SFC title, with the county’s minors, defending All-Ireland champions, also lifting the provincial title.
Barry Moran, a member of the senior squad, spoke about Mayo’s prospects as they prepare for a quarterfinal clash against Cork or Sligo at Croke Park on August 3. 'The mood is very positive but we are not looking beyond our next match,' he stated. Martin Carney, The Connaught Telegraph’s GAA analyst, also gave his assessment in an impromptu interview with the newspaper’s sports editor, John Melvin.
Other speakers at the launch were Tom Kelly, editor, and Bernard Hughes, advertising manager. In his address, Mr. Kelly said The Connaught Telegraph had come through difficult times earlier this year but it is in a better place now, thanks to the faith invested in it by new owners, the Celtic Media Group, headed by Frank Mulrennan, and could now look forward to the future with confidence.
He felt this newly found confidence was underlined by the new format, which was a statement of intent in many respects.
He thanked his fellow staff members - Deirdre Kelly, Bernard Hughes, John Melvin, Aiden Henry, Tom Shiel, Brian Gillespie, Helen Casey, Marguerite Lynskey and Geraldine Walsh - for helping to make the transition a successful one and extended a special thanks to the group’s design experts in Mullingar, singling out David McCormack for his guidance and direction during the change-over.
Mr. Hughes stated the re-branding will cement and add to the newspaper’s circulation and readership and will, most importantly, provide a brighter, stronger and more streamlined newspaper within which businesses in Mayo can advertise and promote themselves and know that their message is getting across to a strong and loyal readership.
“Most importantly, this launch is about more than just the newspaper itself. It is about the overwhelming support we have received from our local business community over many years.
“We hope our launch is a signal that there is some light at the end of the tunnel and that we are hopefully leaving the worst of the recession behind us.”
Guests were entertained by the Castlebar Concert Band and the Redmond School of Dancing (see video below) while refreshments were served by the staff of the Bayleaf Restaurant, Turlough, Castlebar.
The officials of Castlebar Tennis Club were thanked for hosting the event and they were wished every success in building their new 'dome' project, which will cover four of their state-of-the-art tennis courts.
VIDEO: A short video of the dancers from Redmond School of Dancing
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VIDEO: A short video of the Castlebar Concert Band
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